Shape-adaptive cochlear implant electrodes
Official title: Shape-Adaptive Cochlear Implant Electrode Arrays
Funded at Qualia Oto, INC. · NIH-11316606 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small team is developing flexible cochlear implant electrodes that can adapt shape during surgery to reduce trauma and improve hearing outcomes for CI patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Qualia Oto, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | August 8, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $980,937 |
| NIH project number | 2R44DC022220-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11316606 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with sensorineural hearing loss who are candidates for cochlear implantation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing cochlear implantation or those with non-implantable ear conditions may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create shape-memory polymer–based cochlear implant electrodes that self-adjust to fit the ear’s cochlea during implantation, with the goal of safer surgeries and better device performance. The work combines material science and device design to enable atraumatic insertion and closer placement to nerve targets. If successful, the technology could be submitted for FDA review and move toward commercialization, potentially benefiting many people with hearing loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive safer implants with better sound quality and longer-lasting performance.
How similar studies have gone: Prior CI technologies improved outcomes but often faced trade-offs between safety and performance; this approach is a novel self-curving electrode strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
Qualia Oto, INC.
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maeng, Jimin — Qualia Oto, INC.
- Study coordinator: Maeng, Jimin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Robotic cochlear implants that conform to the shape of the cochlea
This study is testing a new kind of cochlear implant that uses a robot to help place the electrodes in a way that fits your ear better, making the surgery easier on you and helping you hear better afterward.
-
New cochlear implant technology for better hearing outcomes
This study is testing a new type of cochlear implant that can change its shape to fit better in your ear, which might help you hear better and feel more comfortable during the procedure.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.